Galloway Diocese St Ninian digital Edition

September NEWSNEWS 2020 Our church doors are open again

Welcome back!

The Bishop Writes

Bishop Nolan on remembering, forgetting, forgiving - and why the sun always shines in Scotland.

o you remember what you were doing this day five And I remembered when I was his age also being cold on years ago, or even this day last year? I can’t. Mind coming out of the sea at Ayr and being chilled by the cool D you I am at that stage of life where I find it difficult breeze. It is not just Google that can prompt us to remember. to remember what I was doing yesterday. And during eing able to remember and having a good memory is lockdown, because every day was the same, apart from my B something we normally consider to be a good thing. I Sunday excursion to the Cathedral for Mass, or my weekly am sure I am not the only one who admires those who never shop in the supermarket, I found it difficult to remember forget a face, and having met someone once can remember which day was which. where they met them and when. And of course how many However while I can’t remember what I was doing this students wish they had a good memory as they cram their time last year, Google can. My photographs are stored with minds with facts and figures before an exam, hoping that what Google, on the cloud, and that means every now and again they study will not all be forgotten. Google sends me a notification, a link to click on, if I want to But being able to forget and not remember is also a see a photo of what I was doing in the past. blessing and a gift from God. There are moments in life when This is actually quite a useful feature since it brings up we put our foot in it, or do something so embarrassing in photos of events I had forgotten about, or pictures of happy public that we wish the ground would swallow us up – those times spent with others, or sunny holidays abroad. events we want to forget about, and thankfully we do. As time There are pictures there too of Scotland, and they all show goes on the memory fades and the embarrassment fades with blue skies and sunshine. I thought at first that maybe the it. We forget and we hope others forget as well. Scottish weather is better than what we complain about, but But unfortunately Google remembers. I don’t use social then I realised that I never take photographs in the rain. media, Facebook or Twitter, but I feel sorry for those who do, Sometimes when meeting foreigners abroad and telling particularly young people, who as carefree youngsters post them I am from Scotland, they ask to see some photographs. things on the internet which a few years later might come And so I show them photos of the sun-kissed south beach of back to haunt them – for the internet does not forget. Ayr, where the sea is always blue and the sun always shines. People in public life now have their social media accounts At least that is the impression my photos give! What the trawled to uncover from the past things now considered photos never show, of course, is the cool and indeed chilling inappropriate. And there seems to be no sympathy for those breeze that often comes off the sea. who say, in all honesty, “the person I was then, is not the Recently while walking along the shore, on what was a person I am now”. The internet does not forget and those who gorgeous day, I passed a young boy who had just come out of use it are reluctant to forgive. the sea, still wet, proclaiming to all the world: “I’m cold”. Perhaps the phrase “forgive and forget” should really be forget and forgive, for if someone has hurt us or wronged us, as with time we begin to forget what happened and as the sense of pain or anger eases, then it becomes much easier to forgive. If there is one thing then we should all remember, it is that it may be good to remember, but it The sun-kissed south beach of Ayr where the sun always shines! is also good to forget.

2

God’s Grandeur

Jim McKendrick sees the wonders of nature and creation reflected in Laudato Si’ and brought to the forefront of his thoughts during lockdown.

he Laudato Si’ Special (fifth) Anniversary Year runs from 24th May 2020 to 24th May 2021 and comes in T the midst of another watershed moment – a global pandemic. Reflecting on my Covid-19 experience – as made clear how deeply we are all interconnected and interdependent. Laudato Si’ tells us that “everything is connected” and tragically, this health catastrophe has much in common with the ecological catastrophe. iBoth are global emergencies that will affect many people, both directly and indirectly. iBoth are experienced most deeply by the poor and vulnerable, and expose the deep injustices in our societies. iBoth will be solved only through a united effort that calls on the best of the values we share. ne of the side effects of the coronovirus is a new During Lockdown, I have had abundant time and O awareness of the sights and sounds of nature. I have been opportunity for prayer, pottering about in the garden and much more aware of birdsong and bird life in our garden. I reading the text of Laudato Si’ and the poetry of the Jesuit even saw what looked like a crane one day, posing poet, Gerard Manley Hopkins. I even found my old imperiously on the roof. The flowers on the decking and schoolbook, which is a mere six years younger than me! throughout our garden seem more profuse and brightly There are so many beautiful things within the pages of coloured. Feeding the birds that visit our back garden has long Laudato Si’. I am sure we all have our own personal been a regular activity. This year, they are more numerous, favourites. Mine include: “The Divine and human meet in the with lots of young, fledgling sparrows in particular. Almost slightest detail, in the seamless garment of God’s creation, in immediately, I had to abandon my normal sources of bird food the last speck of dust of our planet.” And also: “The Universe and order bird seed in 17 kilo sacks and energy balls (I always unfolds in God who fills it completely. Discover God in all call them fat balls) in boxes of 150. things. Spend some minutes embracing the God who has Pope Francis reminds us, “All of us can cooperate as embraced you in all things.” instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to The pope goes on to invite us to see God all around us in his or her own culture, experience, involvements and the poor and in nature. These words of the pope take me back talents.” (LS, 14). The Season of Creation, which began on 1st over 50 years to my sixth form classroom and the joy of September (World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation) and discovering a deeper appreciation of Creation in the sonnets of runs until 4th October (Feast of St. Francis of Assisi), has Hopkins. been designated as a “Jubilee for the Earth.” The season will In Pied Beauty, he writes: provide formal opportunities for prayer and action to protect “Glory be to God for dappled things; our common home. We can also read Laudato Si’ and reflect For skies of couple-colour as a brinded cow: on its rich contents; slow down and take time to appreciate the … Landscape plotted and pierced – fold, fallow and plough; beauty and wonder of Creation; live more simply and all things counter, original, spare, strange; consume less of the earth’s resources. Whatever is fickle, freckled (who knows how?)” Filled with awe at the beauty and wonder of Creation, we Finally, after rejoicing in God’s creation, Hopkins invites us should join Pope Francis in prayer: “he fathers-forth whose beauty is past change; Praise him.” “Laudato Si’, mi signore….” Your Galloway Diocese News At the Galloway News we want to hear from you, the priests and parishioners of Galloway. You can send your items to the editor at any time or look out for the ‘email hotline’ and ‘reply’ to the reminder email. We would also like your photographs for ‘Galloway Glimpses’.

Send your contributions, before 30th October 2020 for inclusion in the Advent edition to: The editor, The Galloway Diocese News, Candida Casa, 8 Corsehill Road, Ayr, KA7 2ST. Email: [email protected]

RC Diocese of Galloway, charity number SC010576

3

Diocese of Galloway Youth Ministry

Father Jim Hayes reports

World Youth Day he next international meeting of World Youth Day due to take place in Lisbon, T Portugal in the summer of 2022 has been postponed and will now take place in the summer of 2023. We look forward to visiting the Church in Portugal then. The reason for this is of course due to the Covid-19 pandemic which has caused the World Meeting of Families international conference due to take place next year to be postponed till the June of 2022 and as it is organised by the same Vatican department it would be too soon a turnaround to organise the WYD in Portugal the very same summer so they took the decision to push that on till 2023. It gives us much more time to prepare and when this pandemic is over we look forward to welcoming you to our local preparation for that wonderful occasion. Caritas Awards nce again because of the coronavirus restrictions the annual Caritas Awards ceremony due to take O place in Glasgow was cancelled. Across Scotland 1,280 young people from all our secondary schools achieved the award this year. The Award is given in recognition of the young people’s involvement with their local church and wider community. The participants have to commit to a significant number of hours of volunteering in a myriad of projects, from helping with First Communion preparation, visiting the housebound, helping with parish mission projects and joining Youth for Lourdes and HCPT groups. All of us at YMO would like to extend our congratulations to the 107 young people from across our four diocesan secondary schools who were among this years recipients.

Did you see Andrew on Telly? his is YMO team member, Andrew Jones. Andrew has been involved in parish and diocesan youth work here in the diocese for T many years now and his day to day work is with children and young people with his local council. Those of you who participate in the diocesan pilgrimage to St Ninian’s Cave will recognise him as one of the Kilmarnock Scout Leaders who helps prepare and steward the beach with their young charges for the annual pilgrimage. Recently Andrew was invited to be co-host on BBC Scotland’s Sunday morning religious programme called, “Reflections at the Quay,” broadcast on Sunday 7th June. Andrew led the show with his co-host and friend, Amy Tanner who is the children, youth and family leader in New Laigh Kirk, Kilmarnock. The broadcast was super and Andrew and Amy did a great job hosting the show and sharing aspects of their Christian faith that they enjoy and employ in their everyday lives. It was interspersed by worship hymns and music, Andrew told us, “It was a really fun experience, and I’m so pleased that I’ve been able to share my stories with so many people. The response to the programme has been so positive and humbling, and I’m so happy that I’ve been able to touch so many people in such a positive way”. All of us at YMO congratulate Andrew for the wonderful, friendly and cheery way he presented the programme. Well done “Mr Beard Man” from all of us.

Diocese of Galloway Office Contact: Find us on Facebook Youth Ministry Office (YMO) St Teresa’s, Glasgow Street, Director: Father Jim Hayes Dumfries. DG2 9DE. Galloway Youth Ministry Office Tel: 01387 252603 RC Diocese of Galloway. Charity Number: SC010576

4

Galloway Glimpses

A splash of summer green to see us into autumn. Thank you to Ian Johnson for these photographs taken in Logan Gardens and Glenwhan Gardens

Poetry corner - Back on Track By Samuel Hynds, a pupil at St Joseph’s Academy, Kilmarnock

Sometimes your life seems worthless Sometimes it can be sad, Just remember things can change And life is not so bad.

Don’t be a bear and hide in your hole Sleeping all winter suppressing your soul.

Be like a bird – soar high in the sky, Spread your wings and learn how to fly.

Gather the strength to talk to your friends, They will help and support, and soon you will mend.

The weight on your shoulders can fall off your back, As talking about it can get you on track.

You are never alone, so try not to cry. The sun it shall rise every day in the sky. There is hope in the sun, there is hope in the clouds. Together we stand and speak out loud!

5

Rest In Peace Constant Botter SCJ (1932-2020) Gilmour Ommer (1929-2020)

By Bishop William Nolan By Father William McFadden

ather Constant Botter, ather Gilmour who died on 15th Ommer, born in F August, was a F Glasgow on 2nd remarkable man with a February 1929 died in remarkable story. He was Dumfries and Galloway Dutch, from a family who lived Royal Infirmary on 29th in the Dutch East Indies, now July 2020. The son of a Indonesia. Born on 10th dentist, Gilmour studied November 1932, as a young and qualified in Veterinary child, he lived under Japanese Science before illness occupation during World War forced him to spend time II. His family returned to the Netherlands at the end of the recovering in Switzerland. Here he began studies in war. Constant discerned a vocation to be a missionary priest Philosophy and Theology, which would lead him to studying and was ordained on 24th September 1960 in the Sacred for the priesthood in the Royal Scots College, Valladolid, Heart Congregation, a religious society founded in 1878 by where on 2nd April 1960 he was ordained a priest for the Father Leo John Dehon, a Frenchman who had already been a Diocese of Galloway. diocesan priest for some years. Following ordination, Gilmour served from June 1960 It was to become Father Botter’s destiny to spend much of until 1964 as an Assistant Priest in St Quivox, Prestwick. his life as a priest in Britain and, indeed, for many of his years Then, from 1964 until 1966 in St Mary’s, Saltcoats. He was in the diocese of Galloway. The Sacred Heart priests were then transferred for a year to St Margaret’s, Ayr, and from invited by Bishop McGee to assume responsibility for the there to Our Lady and St Meddan’s, Troon, from 1967 until new parish in the part of Irvine named Bourtreehill. The 1973. From here he was appointed as Parish Priest of St entire area of the parish was part of the post-war ‘new town’ Conal’s, Kirkconnel, where he stayed until April 1976 when of Irvine. The church was newly built and opened in 1979, as he was transferred to St John’s, Cumnock. Gilmour remained part of a complex of church-hall-house. The architecture was in Cumnock for fourteen years until he retired in September modern and original, the outstanding feature of the church 1990. being the stepped downward approach from the rear to the Following retirement Gilmour lived in Durisdeer, from sanctuary, the lowest point in the church. There were two where he supplied in various parishes in the diocese. He also serious problems about the buildings – the recurring need of took on the role of prison chaplain in H.M.P. Dumfries from repairs, some serious, some trivial, but all requiring attention; 1992-1995 which brought him much satisfaction, allowing and the high cost of the finished product, well beyond the him to continue in retirement to minister pastorally to those in powers of the parish to pay. need. Despite this dual worry, Con Botter was a zealous parish A further move south saw Gilmour spend a number of priest, anxious, even impatient, to seek ways to develop the years in retirement living in Wigan, before he returned to the spiritual commitment of the parishioners and to build them diocese at the invitation of Bishop Nolan to reside in the into a true community. After a visit to Indonesia, he returned parish house of St Peter’s, Dalbeattie. Here again, Gilmour with ideas from parishes there to make St John Ogilvie’s a was able to offer pastoral care for his regular morning Mass centre of evangelisation for the district. He found the going participants, and engage more easily with the priests of the very hard. He had two spells as parish priest in St John deanery and of the diocese than had been the case when he Ogilvie’s, interrupted by a few years in a parish in Stockport was living in Lancashire. He was a much respected and (where he introduced the ‘Renew’ process which he had appreciated presence in St Peter’s until ill health forced him experienced in Galloway!). to move into a local care home for his final years. Con Botter often joked that he was ‘a constant bother’. In One aspect of ministry in which Gilmour was actively some ways, that was not totally untrue. He had ‘holy involved was Religious Education. Having been sent, along impatience’ in abundance and must have endured much with Father Jack Kerr, by Bishop McGee to Corpus Christi frustration as a result. He was not a man to calm down when College to study the new religious education methods and things do not happen as he hoped. But he was a good man and models, he was an integral part of Diocesan Religious a holy man whose life, from beginning to end, has not always Education from 1967-1974, during which time he also been easy. lectured at Craigie College, Ayr. In later years Gilmour would In the last couple of years, his health was broken, and he often reminisce about the task involved in Religious lived out his life in a care home in Kilwinning. He and his Education following the Second Vatican Council, and he felt sixty years of priestly service deserve our admiration and our some sadness that much of the vision which had enthused him gratitude. Following Requiem Mass at St John Ogilvie, in those early days had not really materialised. Bourtreehill, Father Bottar was buried in the Sacred Heart Throughout his many years as a priest, Gilmour was Fathers plot at Kilwinning cemetery. Requiescat in pace. devoted to the liturgy and to the Eucharist. He put a great deal of store in celebrating with devotion and dignity, and he

6

The Sisters of Marie Reparatrice say Farewell to Mount Carmel Parish

Sister Barbara Carroll says goodbye on behalf of all the sisters, past and present

was in October to the point that we asked if the Little Sisters in Newcastle It 1987 that the would have a room for her to meet her needs. We already Sisters of Marie have Sisters in care there, and Imelda had already requested a Reparatrice first came place in the future. We were so grateful that a room was to Kilmarnock to serve offered to her in mid March, just before the Home went into the people of the parish lockdown. Over the past five months her condition has of Our Lady of Mount worsened, and we have finally received the sad news that she Carmel in Onthank. Sr has Motor Neurone Disease, a hard diagnosis to accept and Teresa Nolan and Sr live with, and one which has caused great shock and sadness Margaret Gaffney were not only to our sisters but to her family and friends, and the the founding members, parishioners here in Kilmarnock. It is already quite advanced, and over the past 33 years several sisters have continued the so I ask your prayers for her at this difficult time. ministry there and for a few years in Stewarton. Sr Teresa moved to a flat for independent living with the Little spent an outstanding total of nearly 28 years, as many people I Sisters of the Poor in Robroyston in Glasgow in the first know, and her companion for many of these years was Sr week of September, after saying farewell on behalf of all our Imelda James. Now both these sisters are in residential care, sisters to the parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. I hope and now the time has come for Sr Barbara Carroll to say eventually to connect with Religious in Glasgow, though so farewell on behalf of the Sisters of Marie Reparatrice, and to much has changed because of Covid 19. I also leave with a thank the diocese and the parish for the kindness and welcome heavy heart on account of Imelda’s illness, and the fact that received over all these years. she is not here to say farewell with me. I know that the Sr Barbara returned to Kilmarnock in 2016 to share the parishioners will be remembering her in prayer, thanking the pastoral ministry with Sr Imelda after Sr Teresa left to join our Lord for her presence here over many years. London community. However, Sr Imelda has faced increasing However, it will still be the beginning of a new stage in health problems over the past year, and in January we both my life, and I trust in the Lord’s loving presence made the decision that it was time to consider moving at some accompanying me. point later in the year. Sometime afterwards we learned that the Nigerian Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary the Mother of Christ would come to live here after we left so as to continue pastoral work here, so we were happy that this would be a good continuation. Bishop Nolan asked us if we would be willing to leave in six months, which would take us to the end of August, and that was the plan for Imelda and myself. However, events took a different turn when Imelda’s health problems worsened with increasing mobility problems,

Father Ommer ... was fastidious about good liturgical practice. In this regard it was certainly a concession from him when he reluctantly accepted that when celebrating Mass in his room in the care home, and no longer able to struggle into his alb, he agreed simply to wear a stole. He managed the changes in the liturgy in the 1960s and 1970s with great attention to detail, and he remained until his death firmly committed to his daily private prayer. Gilmour was a wonderful example of a priest who, though ordained in the pre-Vatican II Church, was firmly committed to the new realities demanded by the changing times. He embraced the Council teachings, and he lived out their message which sought to engage the Church with the demands of the modern world of the late 20th century. Gilmour had a great affection for the Dumfries and Galloway region, frequently recalling holidays in the Wigtown and Whithorn areas he had experienced as a young boy. It was fitting therefore that following his Requiem Mass in St Peter’s, Dalbeattie, he was laid to rest in the local Dalbeattie cemetery. An individual with the blend of knowledge in veterinary science and with religious learning is probably not very common, but Gilmour was such a person. He was a gentle man and a gentleman. He chose to serve God and God’s people, rather than devote his life to God’s creatures. Like us all he had his own strengths and weaknesses. It is with gratitude that we remember his gifts, and his genuine desire to serve with a generous spirit and a willing heart. We entrust him into God’s loving embrace; something which Gilmour awaited without any fear or anxiety. May he rest in peace.

7

Safeguarding In Galloway Diocese by Hilary Mackintosh, Diocesan Safeguarding Trainer and representative for SPRED on the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Group

afeguarding may now seem to be something that is become aware of only needed by people who are keen to signal how when something S ‘woke’ they are. After all, it may appear that the need is just not right to provide safeguarding is all done and dusted so only those but also, even who wish to show off about how good they are keep on about better, it gives us it. And yet – is it really all over? Will people who are the knowledge of vulnerable because of age or perceived disabilities cease to be what to do about it and may, potentially, help to prevent it. so? Will the person sitting next to you in at Mass who seems Taking the wider outlook, all parishes are supported by the so strong and confident be able to keep themselves safe from Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Service which was set up by someone in authority who is adept at emotional manipulation? the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland to lead and develop Rather than being a knee-jerk reaction to what has Safeguarding in Scotland. The National Adviser, Tina happened in the past, and a tick box exercise, safeguarding Campbell is indefatigable in working for the provision of will always be necessary and is something that each parish has training opportunities for all church members and liaising with to address. Churches, and any associated groups, must be safe external bodies. places for everyone and it is the responsibility of us all to In the Catholic Church in Scotland, safeguarding is guided ensure this. There are several possible types of abuse, by the core text In God’s Image. Parish priests are responsible including sexual, physical, psychological, domestic, financial for the safety of parishioners, and Safeguarding teams work and spiritual – and we never know when we may encounter very closely with them and other clergy, including the this ourselves, or become aware that someone we know is bishops. Parish Safeguarding Co-ordinators work with the being abused, or is in danger of being abused and needs our parish priests. help. In such a case would you know what to do? Safeguarding training has been carried out in this That is why learning about safeguarding is important. Diocese by an established team. Trainers provide the training, Rather than having to start from scratch it is worthwhile (and and plan the priorities and delivery alongside the Safeguarding also mandatory if you are volunteering for duties in your Adviser and, now, the Safeguarding Officer. Most but not all parish) to undertake training and it is also vital to keep Trainers are also PSCs. Thus our team is made up of local refreshing this training. It gives us the ability not only to people from across the diocese who are committed to striving to ensure that Galloway Diocese is a place where our community is supported when necessary and kept as safe as possible now, and in the future. Covid-19 has caused some interruptions in training but please keep a look out for notices in your parish as to when there will be a chance for you to give your support to this vital task. Safeguarding is not simply about providing support for people who have suffered abuse in the past, it is about continuing to keep our church safe. As Catholics we believe that every person is valuable and is deserving of a precious dignity; we have a duty to take care of those who need special care. When it comes to looking after people in our parishes, it’s not someone else’s job to do, it’s our job. We each need to take responsibility to make sure that we provide a safe place for everyone.

If you wish to be part of the conversation, or think you can help, or if you have any suggestions or experiences you wish to share, email [email protected] or phone the diocesan office 01292 266750 and leave a message for the Safeguarding team: we will get back to you.

8

Seventy years of priestly service

Not many priests have the longevity to reach seventy years of sacred ministry, but Bishop Maurice Taylor is an exception.

aurice Taylor was involvement in parish activities, building a stronger sense of born on 5th May 1926 community in parishes and of the universal call to holiness. M in Hamilton, the A Ministry to Priests programme was introduced to care eldest of four children, to parents for clergy and their ongoing formation. A change in the order Maurice and Lucy. He attended of the sacraments of initiation for children led to Confirmation St Cuthbert’s Primary, and First Holy Communion being received together at the Burnbank, St Aloysius College, younger age of 7 or 8 years. Glasgow and Our Lady’s High Embracing the Future was a plan introduced to envision School, Motherwell. Since the foreign seminaries were closed the circumstances and conditions in future years and increased because of the Second World War, Bishop Taylor studied lay involvement further, especially as the number of priests philosophy for two years in Blairs College just outside decreased. Aberdeen. On his eighteenth birthday he had to register for Military Service and served in the Royal Army Medical Corps An entire generation of schoolchildren and their teachers in several locations including India. Demobbed in 1947, he fondly remembers Bishop Taylor’s regular visits to the returned to his ecclesiastical studies, this time in Rome where schools of the diocese. he was ordained a priest on 2nd July 1950 in the chapel of the Because of his fluent and polished command of Spanish, International Carmelite College for the newly-established Bishop Taylor became a regular visitor to Central America, to Diocese of Motherwell. raise awareness of poverty, corruption and other suffering He served as a curate in St Bartholomew’s, Coatbridge and experienced by the peoples of Guatemala, El Salvador, St Bernadette’s, Motherwell. In 1955, he was appointed to the Nicaragua, Honduras and Costa Rica. On a number of staff at St Peter’s College, Cardross, first teaching philosophy occasions, he served for short periods in Central American and later theology. parishes, an association which he describes as one of the most In summer 1965, Father Taylor was made rector of the enriching and interesting aspects of his life. Royal Scots College, Valladolid where he was sensitive to the Bishop Taylor became the Scottish representative on the traditions of the Scots College. His love of its history led to Episcopal Board of the International Commission on English him providing us with “The Scots College in Spain”, the in the Liturgy (ICEL), later as ICEL chairman. During the splendid account he wrote in 1971, detailing the college story years he was involved, most of the work was on revised since its foundation in Madrid in 1627, making a significant translation of the Roman Missal. Bishop Taylor’s sadness and addition to the body of writing on Scottish Catholic History. disappointment that this work was to be rejected by Rome is For a priest who had been trained in Rome, he became a well documented. Notwithstanding, he greatly enjoyed “Spaniard”. He loved and still does love Spain and all things working with the other fine members of the ICEL team. Spanish and encouraged the student priests to delve into its Bishop Taylor led numerous pilgrimages to the Holy Land history, geography, culture and language. a place for which he had great affection. Over the years, he On return to Scotland, Mgr Taylor – as he then was – built up friendships not only with the many pilgrims who became parish priest of Our Lady of Lourdes, East Kilbride. accompanied him but with the people who live there with little During seven years, he worked to implement the teaching of hope of peace, showing solidarity with them and the sadness the Second Vatican Council on the nature of the Church, on of their lives. liturgy, on ecumenism, encouraging collaborative ministry to When he retired in 2004, Bishop Emeritus Taylor with help people fulfil their baptismal calling as active members of typical self-deprecating humour told people when he looked the Church. up “emeritus” in the dictionary he found it said: “of no further On 1st April 1981, the Apostolic Delegate to Great Britain, use”! Of course, that was never going to be true. In retirement Archbishop Bruno Heim, phoned Mgr Taylor asking him to he continued to celebrate Masses throughout the diocese, come and see him in London. Did it cross his mind someone especially to allow priests to take a holiday, and played a might be playing an April Fool!? He went the following day regular role in worship in the parishes in Ayr where he lives. and received the news of his appointment as Bishop of He has written several books on a variety of topics, has given Galloway. Influenced by Bishop John Geddes (1735-1799), he talks and retreats, and is about to publish an autobiography. took as his motto “Ambula coram Deo” – “Walk in the eventy years of priesthood is a life well spent. presence of God”. The episcopal ordination took place in the Bishop Taylor has had a tremendous influence for grounds of Fatima House, Coodham on 9th June (feast of St S the good on countless lay people and priests. At 94 Columba). years of age his warmth, his wit, his willingness to help and At an early stage in Galloway diocese, Bishop Taylor encourage, and his desire to serve are undiminished. And, as realised good pastoral planning was required in order for local his health allows, he will continue to minister to the people of churches to implement the vision and hopes of Vatican II. The God and support them with his prayer. On reaching an Renew programme was introduced in the diocese improving anniversary that few clergy will celebrate, his priestly service the celebration of the liturgy, fostering widespread lay deserves gratitude and admiration.

9

One hundred and sixty years of sacred ministry

Two of the priests of our diocese celebrated their Golden Jubilees in the summer and Canon McSorley celebrated sixty years of priesthood. We salute them and wish them well in the coming years.

Very Rev. Canon Patrick McSorley Pat McSorley succeeded in anon Patrick McSorley is one of a rapidly diminishing those aims and number of priests who, born and educated in Ireland, he was a well- C came to exercise their sacred ministry in this diocese loved figure in of Galloway. He comes from a family living in Northern the parish. Ireland and who gave two of their sons to be priests – Pat’s However, brother was a priest of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. there came a Pat himself received his seminary education at All time when he Hallows College in Dublin and, following successful thought that it examinations and a favourable report from the college was time for a superiors, he was ordained in June 1960 in All Hallows for the change, both for Diocese of Galloway. In the situation nowadays when we are himself and also so short of priests, it seems strange that, when later in that for the parish community. He hoped that he might have the summer he presented himself to Bishop McGee, he was told opportunity of experiencing life in the south of the diocese. So that, since there were no vacancies at that time in Galloway, when St Teresa’s parish in Dumfries became vacant, Bishop he was to be ‘farmed out’ temporarily to the diocese of Taylor appointed him as the new parish priest. That was Dunkeld. another successful appointment. Pat McSorley was a revered However, when that exile came to an end, Father Patrick pastor. In addition, he carried out the necessary but difficult work of chaplain at Dumfries prison to the satisfaction of the McSorley was formally admitted to the Galloway presbyterate prisoners as well as the officers. He spent his final years of and appointed an assistant priest in St Joseph’s parish, pastoral ministry as parish priest of St Quivox’s, Prestwick. Kilmarnock. The appointment was made at an appropriate time since, later, the area of New Farm Loch was detached ather McSorley is now, of course, Canon McSorley, a from St Joseph’s and Father McSorley was appointed its first F very popular priest, both among his fellow-priests and parish priest. among the laity. His fellow-priests know his golfing prowess At St Matthew’s, he had the work not only of directing and which often brought him victory in the annual Bishop’s Cup supervising the material building of the parish property but which, alas, is no more. Everyone who knows him, whether also, what is in a way a more difficult task, of ensuring that they are clerical or lay, finds him friendly, courteous, affable the people of the parish should have a sense of community and with a sense of humour which often shows itself in gentle and of common responsibility for the smooth operation of day sarcasm. It is good that, although now retired, he still lives in the diocese, ready to help when needed and always a pleasant to day and week to week activities in the parish and that these person to have with us. activities should engender a truly vibrant growth of parish life.

Very Rev. Canon Patrick Keegans anon Keegans now lives as a retired priest in Prestwick, but he is still active in the diocese when his C services are required. His parents, William and Mary Keegans, resided and brought up their family in Saltcoats. Their son Patrick was born on 13th February 1946 and baptised in St Mary’s, Star of the Sea, in the town. However, when the new parish of St Brendan’s was established, the Keegans family, because they lived in Sannox Drive, became parishioners of St Brendan’s. Pat spent some years in Blairs College (the national junior seminary) where his form master was Father John Kane (well remembered in Galloway diocese). After gaining his Higher Leaving Certificate, Pat was asked by Bishop McGee to go to the Royal Scots College in Valladolid for his six years in tertiary education as a student for the priesthood. The students of the college received their main classes in philosophy and theology by daily attendance at the diocesan seminary in

10

Very Rev. Canon John Anthony McGee that was duly accepted and formally ratified anon McGee was born in Kilmarnock on 4th August (as protocol 1947, his parents Patrick and Anne having come from required) by the C Donegal to live in Scotland. From having been Spanish Head of parishioners of St Joseph’s in Kilmarnock, they were included State, King Juan in the parish of St Michael’s when that parish was established, Carlos. detached from the town’s mother church of St Joseph. Mr and Father McGee, Mrs McGee and their family were quiet people but, when their not content with son expressed a desire to become a priest and went to Blairs fulfilling the College, he acquired a reputation for intelligence that led to duties of rector, the authorities there deciding that he be allowed to omit the also continued his sixth form and go straight from fifth form to a major studious pursuits, seminary, namely the Royal Scots College in Valladolid. both in reading There he flourished in his studies and, particularly, in his and private study, abilities in Spanish. He was ordained in Kilmarnock by and also in Bishop Joseph McGee (no relation) on 11th July 1970, three enrolling in various courses in Scripture and canon law which weeks short of his twenty-third birthday. By this time, due to required, from time to time, travel to the Pontifical University the several students in Blairs and in Valladolid whose name of Salamanca. was John and to lessen resultant confusion, he agreed that, hen he returned to Galloway diocese, he served though his name in the family was John, he would answer to briefly in Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Beith. Jack in seminary and priestly circles. W He later became parish priest of St Sophia’s, Galston. From So Father John, or Jack, returned to the diocese of there he was appointed the Administrator of the former Good Galloway and spent a few years as assistant priest in St Paul’s Shepherd Cathedral. When the Cathedral was moved to St parish, Ayr, where his duties, in addition to parish work, Margaret’s and Good Shepherd Church closed, Father McGee included Ayr Hospital, Ailsa Hospital, several villages and the was made parish priest of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, residential Butlin’s Holiday Camp (where there was in those Girvan. Our Lady and St Cuthbert’s, Maybole was later joined days Mass on Sundays during the holiday season). However, with Girvan under his care. He was also appointed to be a his time in parish work was limited because, in 1974, Father member of the Galloway Chapter of Canons and, perhaps John Walls, vice-rector in Valladolid, was made rector and the more usefully, his canonical skills have been recognised and vacancy was filled by Father Jack McGee. Then, when Father constantly employed in work for the Scottish Catholic (then Canon) Walls returned to Galloway diocese and became Interdiocesan Tribunal, requiring a weekly stint in Glasgow as parish priest of St Paul’s, Hurlford, the Scottish bishops well as work in the parish house in Girvan. nominated Jack McGee to be the new rector, a nomination

Very Rev. Canon Patrick Keegans, continued

Valladolid where the teaching was done in Spanish and Latin. him in his house for a few days at the time and both had a very However, from 1967 on, the students, for their theology narrow escape when a large section of the stricken plane fell classes, attended the Augustinian college in Valladolid which on a house just a very few yards away, killing its occupants. was an affiliate of the Pontifical University of Comillas and Since that time, Father, now Canon, Keegans has become therefore authorised to confer the degree of Bachelor of well known nationally, even internationally, for his continuing Theology. work as a source of strength and consolation to the bereaved Bishop Joseph McGee ordained Pat to the priesthood in St of the tragedy, especially those in the United States, and for Brendan’s church on 4 July 1970. After a few years as a curate his courage in taking an active share in the debate concerning in various parishes of the diocese, beginning with a term in the cause of the disaster and the question, ‘Who was Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish in Kilmarnock, he became responsible?’ parish priest of St Martin & St Ninian’s parish in Whithorn, n more recent years, Canon Keegans was administrator with the additional duty of serving the people of Wigtown. I of St Margaret’s parish, Ayr (where, in his younger However, after a relatively short time, the condition of his days, he had been a curate). He was a well-liked priest, tireless health necessitated a period during which, with treatment and in his care for the parishioners, the staff and children of St his own determination, he regained his good health and was John’s primary school, and staff and patients of Ayr able to resume his work in the diocese. He became parish University Hospital and of Ayrshire Hospice. He supervised a priest of Holy Trinity parish in Lockerbie, serving also Moffat. thorough repair and repainting of St Margaret’s (now the During his time in that post, the Lockerbie disaster occurred diocesan cathedral) and a complete renewal and re-ordering of on 21st December 1988. Father Keegans had his mother with its sanctuary.

11

Returning to Public Mass

Three priests of the diocese offer their personal reflections of the return of the people to Mass and how they are coping with the restrictions and limitations imposed on priest and people alike.

“There is no need for them to go…”

From Father Philip Kitchen, Parish Priest of Saint John the Evangelist, Cumnock

hese may seem as expressed in the life and teachings of Jesus. The short term like strange words practicalities of catering for the physical requirements of T with which to people can never trump the fundamental need to cater for their begin a reflection on the spiritual needs. return of people to church There is a very important message here as we feel our way after the period of lock forward into a strangely modified liturgy. It is disconcerting to down. They are the words preside at an assembly of masked people whose expressions of Jesus as recorded in the can only be guessed at. The People of God are nervous as they passage from St enter church focussed above all on ‘not getting it wrong’. Matthew’s Gospel which Have I properly sanitised my hands, have I remained two was read on the Eighteenth Sunday in ordinary time this year, metres from the welcomer who is showing me to my seat, how that passage which we know as ‘the feeding of the five do I receive the body of Christ, what is the sequence hands, thousand.’ Jesus spoke the words in response to the very two paces to the side, remove mask, receive Blessed genuine, well placed concerns of the disciples that Jesus Sacrament, replace mask? All very understandable. A very should dismiss the people so that they could in effect forage genuine concern for our own and other people’s physical well- for whatever food was available to them in the area. It was a being, but the practicalities have simply got to be very practical concern for the physical well-being of people. accommodated that we may focus on our true end that in “There is no need for them to go: give them something receiving the body of Christ we may become the body of to eat yourselves.” Jesus is no less concerned for the physical Christ for others in our communities. We are very adaptable well-being, of the people, but he knows that there is and there is no doubt that the focus on ‘not getting it wrong’ something much more important that needs to be catered for, will quickly fade as once again we are caught up in the fervent their spiritual well-being; they need to know the truth of God celebration of the Eucharist.

Sadness was completely erased by joy

From Father Jim Hayes, Parish Priest of St Teresa’s. Dumfries, St Luke’s, Moffat and Holy Trinity, Lockerbie

riday 20th March 2020 will remain a sad memory for channel (for the housebound essentially) so an email to the me in my over 26 years of priesthood for it was the wider parish community to alert them to this facility brought F first time I had ever celebrated Mass on my own. me an e-congregation and so began the habit of attending Never having the need to celebrate Mass on my own as priests Mass in slippers and pyjamas! did regularly before the liturgical reforms of the Second I will never forget the surprise of emotion I had on that first Vatican Council. I come from that generation of priests who Mass on my own, following the blessing and dismissal at the have enjoyed the privilege of concelebration. end of Mass as I was leaving the Sanctuary I felt something The reason for this unhappy occasion was the necessary was not quite right because as most of us priests do at the end but sudden lockdown that hit the UK in response to the deadly of Mass we usually meet our congregation on the steps of the Covid-19 virus. All of us found ourselves “locked” in our church or a chat in the sacristy about this, that and the other. homes isolated from everyone else and only allowed to leave Realising that that was not going to happen I found myself for essential shopping or medical attention. waving to the camera in an effort to reach out that little bit more to my online church and from that day till the last day of We priests were faced with the question on how to closure I waved to everyone as I left the Sanctuary following continue to offer sacramental and pastoral support to our every Mass. It helped me enormously and soon, with feedback parishioners. One of first things that was decided was that we flowing in, I realised it helped everyone at home too – they would continue to celebrate Mass in our churches. So from were all waving back! Thank God for a simple gesture that, 20th March till Wednesday 15th July the daily celebration of like all the many wonderful thousand and one small gestures Mass in empty churches began. The only good news from the that we all heard about, witnessed and practiced during very beginning was that here at St Teresa’s in Dumfries we lockdown among our families and neighbours, meant so much were used to kivestreaming our Masses on the YouTube to us all.

12

Christ is not in Lockdown

From Father Duncan McVicar, Parish Priest of Saint Peter-in-Chains, Ardrossan very one of us, at some time or another, is faced with substitute for the real tragedy or unexpected suffering: illness, a family thing. The hunger for E crisis, worry, bereavement, unemployment. When we Christ in the Real all went into lockdown in March, no one saw this coming. No Presence has become so one would have predicted that tens of thousands would be evident in these weeks. infected by this virus, that thousands would die, that we would Secondly, there does be shut in our homes, that the economy would go into exist a deep bond meltdown. Everything seemed more or less okay and then it between the priest and all changed. Such times, bring home to us a truth about the people: calls for visits in hospital, phoning round the sick and nature of the world – a truth that we often choose to overlook housebound to make sure they are ok, sending emails and text or even ignore: we are all in God’s hands, our human messages, etc. In short, anything to keep the connection alive. condition is fragile, things can change without our control, in The priest and people thrive when they are together. We need an instant. And this is when we look for God in our situation. each other mutually. The bond between priests and people is Difficulties and the experience of our own fragile human state, indispensable to our own spiritual health. We exist for each can throw us into the arms of a loving Father, who has the other and for the communities we serve. The priests are answers to the questions we ask and who can offer us security “married” to their people and, through these months of the and certainty when everything around us seems unstable. virus, there emerges a heightened awareness of how important These months of the pandemic can give rise to a deeper sense we are to each other. of God. And thirdly, as a Church, we are a real community. We When I chat to my parishioners about how they are coping miss the fellowship, seeing people we know. It matters that we in this crisis, it becomes ever more evident that there are many come together as the Body of the Christ. We pray together, insights that have emerged during these dark months. I would speak and sing together. We aren’t just “lone-rangers” in a like to highlight three: first of all, we are an intensively private and personal relationship with God. We share our faith Eucharistic Church. How many people have really missed in community and to experience our churches closed or Mass, and missed receiving the Lord in Holy Communion? restrictive is simply hard. One lady simply asked on her birthday to be able to sit in the We are in a painful time, but perhaps the “hungers” we church and be close to the Blessed Sacrament. She said it was share and experience in these months of the pandemic can the best birthday present you could give her. Many parishes lead us again to a deeper understanding of these deep truths. have live-streaming; it definitely helps but it will never be a

Father Jim Hayes ... The sadness of the 20th Luke’s and Terry, Derek and Elizabeth in St Teresa’s had March was completely made sure all was well. The churches were ready, the people erased by the joy of 15th July when I met parishioners for the were ready, I was ready and what a happy occasion it was! We first time in over 16 weeks. Because of all the wonderful decided to have Mass in each of the three places that day to preparation done by all three communities we were ready to celebrate the end to being locked out of our churches. At the open the very first day places of worship were allowed to. The opening words of the Mass it was wonderful to hear a pass-keeping and hygiene teams in all three of our churches congregation say back (even through face coverings) with led by Timothy in Holy Trinity and Moira and Kevin in St much enthusiasm, “And with your spirit” and then in each place a spontaneous This wonderful photograph was taken applause! It is a in St Teresa’s, Dumfries, during a wonderful emotional lockdown service. memory I will remember for a very long time. It almost at once dispersed the sadness we all felt in these lockdown months and immediately we felt restored, graced, renewed and refreshed once more!

13

Returning to Public Mass

Let’s hear from some parishioners on their return to Mass following lockdown. Is it all plain sailing?

“as a parish we never felt closer than we did on the first day back.”

From Hugh Matthews, St Joseph’s, Kilmarnock

ears ago I read a book, possibly some trashy holiday who are not able to attend the Sacraments except, perhaps, on novel, which contained a description of a villain. very rare occasions, and that should teach us not to take what Y Like Hamlet’s wicked uncle Claudius, he was a we have for granted. villain who smiled. The novel suggested that you could tell I wrote “to some extent” because most of us had been able, this character was evil because he only smiled with his mouth, during earlier parts of the lockdown, to take part through the not his eyes. I confess that I had no real idea what that meant. internet or television. Maybe Jesus would have used these if A few weeks ago, though, I got the message. He had been born a couple of millennia later but we would Along with a number of fellow parishioners I was lucky still have wanted to go and see Him. enough to have been allocated a place at Sunday Mass. I Despite the instant replays and close-ups, going to a cup turned up and, like them, wore a final or a concert is better than mask. They were all smiling. I watching a transmission, perhaps couldn’t see the whole of their because you feel part of what is going faces, of course, but I could see on. How much more is that true of their eyes. They were shining. No being gathered together physically, mask could hide the happiness rather than virtually, in the Real which we all felt at returning to Presence. something like normal worship. The Lord is always with us, We could not sing out loud. So wherever we are, but communal what? We could sing in our hearts worship is at the heart of our being and God would still hear us. with Him. No wonder we were We were not in our “own” smiling at its reinstatement. seats but that was no bad thing. Socially distanced we may have Seeing things from a different been but I suspect that as a parish we perspective is helpful. We have all never felt closer than we did on the now had, to some extent, the first day back. perspective of fellow Catholics

“The Sign of Peace caused a flurry of waves and signs of love throughout the church.”

From Anne Barbour, St Andrew’s, Dumfries

ho could have thought on St Joseph’s Day 2020 Speaking personally, that first Mass made me realise how that it would be 18 weeks till we could once again much I had taken full participation in Mass for granted over W participate, in person, at Mass? Many of us have the years. The consecration was almost a time travel back to learnt how to stream Mass, a godsend literally for the house the wonder I felt as a child that this was the crucial part of bound, and hopefully this will continue as part of our faith Mass and of our belief. community. The Sign of Peace (which I am old enough to remember My contribution to the wonderful “return” is to be a caused some disquiet at its introduction) caused a flurry of steward/cleaner at St Andrew’s Dumfries. I like to think of waves and signs of love throughout the church. Community myself as a modern St Martha. Our preparatory meeting, was definitely alive and kicking. Communion was taken, socially distanced of course, brought up many questions. One slowly compared to before, but with a sense of reverence and amusing point was that we would be going against centuries attention which was almost palpable. of Catholic tradition by filling the seats from the front! Once the congregation have left the church the cleaners get The first Mass back was fully attended and parishioners to work. Over the weeks we have now fine-tuned the spraying arrived well spread out. No last minute rush at three minutes and wiping and have it off to a T. It is a different way to serve to 6 pm. Everyone was amenable to instruction, once we got the Church but vital. over the difficulty of speaking/ listening through masks.

14

“I look forward to joyful Masses, full of people, music and song.” From Kathleen Handley, Margaret’s Cathedral, Ayr

ver the years I have livestreamed Masses online, but there travelled to various parts of are many distractions at home. The O the world and one of the phone rings, someone comes to the first things I do on arriving at an door, or the cats begin to chase each unfamiliar location is to find out other around the room! about the nearest church and times The weeks and months trailed by. for Mass. Then, finally, the news arrived that Many years ago, I was on once again our church could be open holiday in a small resort in a remote for Mass. Firstly I had to absorb all and sparsely populated area of the rules and regulations and book a Queensland, Australia. It was the place for Sunday Mass. I set out, on month of February and the day that first Sunday, feeling a bit before Ash Wednesday. Initially, I apprehensive. It was a strange had little hope of finding a church in experience: being seated so far apart, the locality, so I was both astonished wearing the masks and so on – but and delighted to discover that there nevertheless, I felt so uplifted. was indeed a little Catholic parish I looked around this church that is church within a couple of miles of so familiar to me. I re-engaged with our resort. Having no transport, I set the altar, the stained glass windows, out on foot, in the tropical heat, to The “Glory to God” window the statues. I felt at home, that I the church, where I was able to join belonged once more. I felt joy and with fellow Christians, locals and tourists alike, in the worship relief that the long wait was over. Bishop Nolan was in great of Our Dear Lord, Jesus. form. It was a joy and a privilege to join in his celebration of My church has been important to me throughout my life. It the Mass. I looked around the church at my fellow is part of me, my culture, my life. It has always been there for parishioners, but as there were so few of them compared to me, always available at any time or place – until a few months our normal Sunday Mass, this did make me really sad. ago, when the coronavirus denied me access to my very own I am, however, full of hope and expectation that our parish parish church. No church attendance, no Mass, no face to face will gradually reach its potential again. I look forward to contact with our bishop, our priests, our parish family. joyful Sunday Masses, full of people, music and song. There was some consolation in that we could watch

“I am aching to receive the Blessed Sacrament so why am I choosing to stay at home?”

A different view, from Helen

he last time I was at Mass in person was on 15th having to book a seat to attend the Eucharist is anathema, the March in the Cathedral in Funchal. The next day I was lack of social interaction seems sterile and contrived, the ban T back in the UK and we were in lockdown within a few on singing makes the service somehow flat. days. Since then I have thanked God that by the miracle of But are these just excuses. After all it’s Mass, it’s the technology and livestreaming I have regularly been able to centre of worship, it’s what we do. I have never in my life ‘attend’ Mass and other services, at first from the Cathedral in actively chosen to miss Mass on Sundays, holy days, feast Ayr and later from other churches in the diocese, including days. I am aching to receive the Blessed Sacrament again. So my own parish. why am I choosing to stay at home now? I was delighted when some restrictions were lifted and I am writing this in early August and by the time this churches were able to open, first for private prayer and then edition is published I feel sure I will once again be seated in for public Mass. I marvelled at the volunteers who came church, with the congregation, in front of the altar, ready to forward to steward and clean. So why haven’t I been to church receive the Body of Christ. I pray that I can overcome my ‘in the flesh’. In truth, I don’t know. fears, my reluctance and my reservations. Never has the I feel uneasy about mingling; I am not afraid of catching expression ‘a leap of faith’ been more apt. In the meantime the virus but I dread having to go back into self-isolation if God has not been banished by the pandemic – thanks to someone else in the church tests positive. I hate the thought of technology and the devotion and endurance of the priests He wearing a mask; I am claustrophobic and it makes me feel is more in evidence – and more accessible – than ever. We are trapped. I dislike the artificiality the restrictions impose; truly living in strange times.

15

Thank God for volunteers

Public resumption of Mass in our churches would not have been possible without an army of people who volunteered as stewards and to clean and sanitise the churches after each Mass. Here is a small sample of that army from a few churches - but we thank you all.

16

Bishops conference recently published a Covid-19 newsletter regarding the challenges - and The full text can The opportunities - posed by the reopening of churches in the ‘new normal’. be found on the Galloway In his introduction. Brian McGee, Bishop of Argyll & the Isles, the Chair of Pastoral Ministry Covid-19 Diocese Working Group writes: website: click “The Bishops are well aware of the challenges which Covid-19 has presented for clergy and for parish here to download the communities. We greatly appreciate all that has been done to assist people to remain involved with their newsletter in parishes and the Church. I know that the Spirit is breathing new life.” full.

Learning to live with Covid-19 Parish communities have responded to the challenges with Among the many difficulties presented by the Covid-19 creativity, determination and love to find solutions for the pandemic, has been the challenge of sustaining a normal faith good of all. This newsletter provides information and advice life involving worship in Church. When all church buildings which may be of benefit to parishes across Scotland and were closed on 19th March, no one could predict when they points to sources of support which might assist the Catholic would re-open and how the ‘new normal’ would look. With community to deal with some of the effects of the pandemic our churches now re-opened, we still face significant and to continue living in Faith as we deal with any future restrictions on our worship, necessary if we are to minimise issues arising from the crisis. the risks of gathering in confined spaces. How did we manage to keep in touch? The greatest challenge facing clergy during lockdown was Clergy and their cameras the lack of face-to face contact with parishioners as everyone remained socially isolated and at home. Thanks to Deacon Willie Hiddleston for How were spiritual needs met? this stunning photograph of a bald eagle taken at a Bird of prey centre near During lockdown, all parish clergy made efforts to keep in Cumbernauld touch with their parish communities in various ways. Some

used technology to livestream the celebration of Mass. Impact on mental health People suffering from mental ill-health often feel isolated from their faith community and thus isolated from God. This chapter contains some information, advice and support for those whose mental health is being affected by COVD-19. Supporting prayer and devotion This chapter has links to other sources linked to the liturgical year.

Getting ready for the next phase It is likely that we may require to retain more ‘distanced’ forms of contact for some time yet.

17

Praying with your fears

By Father Martin Chambers

How do we, as faithful Christians, cope with our fears – irrational or real – that flit in and out the mind and plague our heart?

ou don’t need me to tell you that, during this Coronavirus pandemic, we live in uncertain and Y fearful times. The wearing of masks and the continual use of hand-sanitisers mean that we are more wary than usual of entering once-innocent public places: shops and schools, to say nothing of our own Churches. Even as we have moved forward with the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, we have found ourselves worried about who we are talking to, how long we should be talking to them and wondering if we are actually standing two metres away from them. Fear and anxiety have marked many of our days since the lockdown began in March. However, if truth be told, from the conversations over many years with parishioners, with friends and with family, fear and anxiety seem to mark quite a few of our days. Fear and anxiety are not new phenomena! How or the purposes of this article, I wish to centre on many times do we wake up in the morning realising that a the Scripture passage that was the Sunday Gospel deep-rooted fear or panic has meant that we have spent F some weeks ago: another restless night of interrupted sleep. In these pandemic Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to days, of course, the fears that we face are real and immediate. the other side while he would send the crowds away. After We are worried about your jobs and finances. There is fear sending the crowds away he went up into the hills by himself about family: when can we visit our sick relatives? When will to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, while the we be able to celebrate that family wedding? How will our boat, by now far out on the lake, was battling with a heavy children react to the new restrictions in place at school? And sea, for there was a head-wind. In the fourth watch of the our young people themselves are fearful of their future: what night he went towards them, walking on the lake, and when qualifications will be of use to them as they plan ahead? What the disciples saw him walking on the lake they were terrified. jobs will be available in to them the uncertain months and ‘It is a ghost’ they said, and cried out in fear. But at once years ahead? Jesus called out to them, saying, ‘Courage! It is I! Do not be Yes, fear, concern and a heightened panic seem to mark afraid.’ It was Peter who answered. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘if it is these days. So how do we, as faithful Christians, cope with you, tell me to come to you across the water.’ ‘Come’ said these fears – irrational or real – that flit in and out the mind? Jesus. Then Peter got out of the boat and started walking One of our most common hymns is ‘Do not be afraid’, so how towards Jesus across the water, but as soon as he felt the can we cope with the fear that plagues the heart? And how force of the wind, he took fright and began to sink. ‘Lord! can praying through our fears help us? Save me!’ he cried. Jesus put out his hand at once and held him. ‘Man of little faith,’ he said ‘why did you doubt?’ And as Whenever I spend time in prayer, I more often than not they got into the boat the wind dropped. The men in the boat start by simply spending five or ten minutes laying before God bowed down before him and said, ‘Truly, you are the Son of the things I am worried about. Even as I do this – listing my God.’ worries, fears and concerns – I am aware that God will know them before I even speak them. However this ‘listing’ helps I think this is a classic Gospel story for us who are living me to bring to mind the areas of my life where I am through the Coronavirus pandemic and a Scripture passage specifically looking for God to inspire me. I would invite you that helps us see a prayerful way through this moment of fear. when you are praying to do the same – spend some time There are several aspects that speak powerfully to us all: simply listing the worries and concerns you have; these will 1) For how many times since lockdown have we felt, become the areas where you will then find God most clearly. like the scene in the story, that we are “battling However, put a time limit on it – five minutes or so – so that with a heavy sea”! These have indeed been choppy you do not what I have often done in waters and so, as we settle into a prayerful prayer – spend the entire time in prayer reflection on this Gospel, we know that we simply going over and over in my mind experience what the disciples experienced in this the worries, fears and concerns. Once passage from Matthew’s Gospel. you have made this list before God, you 2) Another powerful aspect of the story is the way that can then move on to the specific Rosary, Jesus comes to the disciples “walking on the lake.” Meditation or Scripture passage that will Once again Jesus is not seen as a remote God who be the focus of your prayer. shouts from a distance. Jesus is a God who

18

An unexpected direction

Kevin Rennie, one of our seminarians, recalls a year which despite an unexpected turn has had its share of good experiences.

ifth year in Rome certainly took an unexpected believe its also encouraged us all to slow down at times and direction, I suspect if you’d asked anyone back in recognise those things which we have grown accustomed to F January what 2020 would look like what it has turned but don’t really need, and those people and things which are out to be would be radically different. For many in Scotland most important to us. Whilst the lockdown’s digitisation of home working and blended learning became the new norm, society, relationships and work will diminish as we meet with and in Rome we were no different. those we’ve missed in person again and are able to return to When we left Rome in March, even then no one expected full Eucharistic Communion through our physical presence things to go the way they did – we all thought it’d be over by and participation in the celebration of Holy Mass, it has also Easter and we’d be back in the Universities then continuing enabled us to reach out more to those on the peripheries. our studies in person. As time has shown that wasn’t the case, Indeed a number of studies have shown how the Coronavirus classes moved online, and then exams moved online – has turned people back to God who had never considered thankfully oral exams are more easily accommodated online themselves religious in the past, in this regard, technology has than written exams would have been. Class discussions, and in been invaluable. For me, one of the most poignant and particular seminars, were a lot trickier, being able to see only powerful moments a handful of the class, and all of us in different time zones of the lockdown between the United States and Europe. was Pope Francis’s extraordinary “Urbi Of course, this new normal wasn’t all bad, we didn’t have et Orbi” as he to get up at 5.30 for Morning Prayer and Mass, but it was walked through an challenging, in communion with Catholics throughout the empty St Peter’s world to have to participate in the Mass and the celebration of Square in the Easter online through streaming. Since the easing of the pouring rain, an lockdown it has been wonderful however to be working image which I around the diocese as we all work to expand the availability of believe will be internet streaming, and at the time as we prepared for defining for a long reopening. It was a great joy on the 22nd June to be part of the time to come, but which emphasises that even in the darkness, reopening of St Teresa’s in Dumfries for private prayer, and to pain and turmoil, whilst we may be physically alone we are be able to welcome parishioners back – albeit to the “new supported by the community of the Church, and especially by normal” with face coverings and one way systems, and then God who never abandons us. subsequently to be in St Peter in Chains in Ardrossan for the resumption of public Mass, and to hear once again the n spite of the challenges presented, the year was good community gathered together for the celebration of Mass. I and all of my exams were completed successfully Whilst a very challenging time for all, the Coronavirus has marking the completion of the Theology degree. The seminary given us all a chance to slow down and to take stock, will resume on the 20th September when I will enter my sixth recognising that which is really important, and in particular year of formation and, God willing, be received as a candidate the importance of our Faith and the celebration of the for Holy Orders as I prepare for ordination as a deacon next sacraments as being at the heart of our lives as Catholics. I year.

Praying with comes to us when we are in a crisis. We believe in a God who walks at our side. If that is the case in this Gospel, then in faith we also know it is the case in our daily lives: God is with us in our life’s your fears storm; God walks at our side. 3) As he speaks out, Peter symbolises each one of us who shout out in fear and in concerned anxiety. “Lord! Save me!” is Peter’s cry but it is also our cry as we come through these stormy Covid-19 times. Let’s join our voices to Peter’s voice and reach out in faith and in prayer to the God who walks with us. And let us be aware not just of the calming words “why did you doubt?” but also of that beautiful action from the Saviour when “Jesus put out his hand at once and held Peter.” If we open ourselves in prayer and in faith to the calming presence of Jesus, we will be aware of that calming hold that Jesus provides for our lives. And so, although our time in prayer may start in fear and anxiety, by the time we have finished our period of prayer we have realised that we are not alone and that we do not have to solve all our problems on our own. In prayer we remember that God walks by our side. And, as we leave prayer, we know that opening our hearts and minds to God’s values we have a calm way through whatever storm life may throw at us. In prayer we remember that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who in the past has led us to rest in his loving presence, who in the present holds our hand in the storm of life and who surely in the future will lead us in hope as we trust in his mercy.

19

Diocesan Pilgrimages

The Pilgrimages to the Holy Land this year, and Lourdes next year are the latest victims of the pandemic. But hope is on the horizon that both events will still take place at a later date.

Holy Land, October 2020 Lourdes July 2021

t “will come as no surprise to anyone that, due to the fter a meeting with Bishop Nolan, representatives of current Coronavirus pandemic sweeping across the the Galloway Lourdes Hospitalite and Youth for I world, our next Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, A Lourdes, the decision was made to postpone the due to take place in October of this year, has been postponed. Pilgrimage 2021 for twelve months until July 2022. This We now plan to travel to the Holy Land on Monday April decision was made principally because of the uncertainty 12th and return on Monday April 19th 2021 – assuming that it around how the course of the pandemic will run and how the is safe to do so by then, and the safety of our pilgrims is, and world and the country will look in twelve months’ time. always will be, our principal concern. There were also specific reasons for postponing; medical, Those of you who had booked a place on the October Youth for Lourdes and financial. 2020 Pilgrimage should have received a communication in Medical Concerns recent weeks from Joe Walsh Tours already advising you of It may be that even next year there is still a degree of this change and assuring you that your deposit and any shielding or restrictions on the movement of older people and monies already paid are completely secure and will be they would not be allowed to travel. The medical team do transferred, should you so wish, to the new dates. Anyone extensive preparations to assess each of the assisted pilgrims who is now thinking about booking for the new dates should prior to the pilgrimage and this may not be possible. Lourdes also know that these financial guarantees will also apply to also may impose limits on who is able to come. any new booking. The Covid-19 situation in Palestine and Israel at the moment is very difficult. While Israel are now permitting travellers from the United Kingdom to enter Israel without the need for a fourteen day quarantine, the level of infection and transmission is currently much higher than it is in this country and so neither Palestine nor Israel are on the Scottish or UK Governments’ green list and so it would still be necessary to quarantine when we arrived home. While it is disappointing for us that we cannot travel to Palestine and Israel in October I would ask you to please remember our sisters and brothers in the Holy Land in your prayers. The Christians in the Holy Land are very dependent Youth for Lourdes on pilgrims and tourists to provide them with an income and, YfL should be beginning their preparations for Lourdes as they have been in complete lockdown now for over six July 2021 right now but unfortunately next year’s pilgrimage months, they are now desperately struggling to financially has become another victim of the pandemic. We’re sorry to support their families and are more dependent than ever on the young people who were ready to join us for this international aid and charities like ‘The Friends of the Holy wonderful experience this season but we do hope you will Land’ to meet their daily needs. keep your diary free to join us in July 2022. We hope to begin to recruit in our schools and parishes in June 2021. Please God the situation will improve for them very soon – I know from my regular conversation with friends in Finance Bethlehem how much they are looking forward to welcoming We know it is not cheap to go to Lourdes. Individual us back to the Holy Land. St George, patron saint of families and other pilgrims wishing to come on Pilgrimage Palestine, pray for them. may well have had a severe restriction of income over the last Father David Borland, Pilgrimage Director few months. A postponement would allow more time to recover financially. Many parishes help to the costs of helpers or younger pilgrims. Parish incomes have been severely restricted over the last four months and may not be able to help. It is a huge disappointment to have to postpone the pilgrimage and is not done lightly. No one knows how this will play out in the year ahead. It may well be that next July we are all “back to normal” but decisions need to be taken now. We hope you understand these concerns and are able to come on pilgrimage in July 2022. The date is still to be confirmed but is provisionally set for Monday 11th July 2022.

20

The Teaching of Pope Francis by Father William McFadden

Pope Francis has declared this year to be one of special reflection to draw attention to the cry of the earth and of the poor.

n appropriate to those who will come description of Pope after us, to the children who A Francis could well are growing up?” Perhaps be the “Pope of Surprises.” this is a question we all Every so often he comes out ought to address, and with something that is maybe allow our responses unexpected, and which often to motivate us into specific results in unforeseen and decisions and actions, unpredicted consequences. particularly in drafting One such unanticipated plans and strategies for announcement came with the leading simpler lifestyles, message that there was to be a year-long “special reflection” and for choosing a more sustainable way of living going on his encyclical Laudato Si’.This year of reflection started on forward. 24th May, the fifth anniversary of the publication of the he Year of Reflection on Laudato Si’ is a further encyclical. T opportunity to be led by Pope Francis’ wisdom and It could be argued that Laudato Si’ will turn out to be the vision. It is our chance to take seriously the fact that we are all document which will be Pope Francis’ most significant responsible for our common home. Laudato Si’ is written piece of work during his papacy. It is already undoubtedly a prophetic teaching of the magisterial role of the recognised as having a valuable impact both within the pope. We have now been given this special occasion to allow Church and beyond. As Pope Francis himself said in offering it to influence us for the better. a reason for writing it: “I sought to draw attention to the cry of the earth and of the poor.” Pope Francis has written a prayer Laudato Si’ is a document which invites all people to for the Year of Reflection. It is reflect on the world around us, and to choose to make worth quoting in full as it appropriate responses to what we find. It encourages us to encompasses so much of the reject the contemporary ‘throwaway’ culture, and to open our encyclical in it: eyes to see how God is present throughout creation. The encyclical is very strong on our shared humanity, and Loving God, challenges us to be more aware of the terrible environmental Creator of Heaven, Earth, and all therein and ecological realities facing so many of our sisters and contained. brothers throughout the world. Pope Francis clearly recognises Open our minds and touch our hearts, that one of the reasons they are being pushed deeper into so that we can be part of Creation, your gift. poverty is due to the effects of the changing climate. Be present to those in need in these difficult Whilst for Pope Francis climate change is critical, it is but times, one symptom of a much deeper problem, namely how we as especially the poorest and most vulnerable. individuals and as communities share our common home. Help us to show creative solidarity What the pope specifically calls us to is “a change of heart.” as we confront the consequences of the global We are asked to adopt an attitude of profound respect and care pandemic. towards ourselves, our neighbours and to the earth, as this will Make us courageous in embracing be our way of communicating our love for God. Only by the changes required to seek the common good. having this “change of heart” will we be able to live in Now more than ever, may we all feel harmony with one another and with God’s creation. interconnected and interdependent. As the Covid-19 pandemic has clearly demonstrated, there Enable us to succeed in listening and responding is an interconnectedness in everything that happens in our to the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor. world. The Year of Reflection is offered to help us focus on May their current sufferings become the birth- the intimate link between the protection of nature and of pangs of a more fraternal and sustainable world. human life, central themes in Laudato Si’. We pray through Christ our Lord, In announcing this prolonged opportunity for reflection, under the loving gaze of Mary Help of Christians, Pope Francis asked: “What kind of world do we want to leave Amen.

21

A View from Westminster

Philippa Whitford, MP, returned to the NHS during lockdown and pays tribute to the care and dedication of the front line NHS staff and the other key workers who kept the country going in those dark days.

ittle could we have imagined at Christmas that by experienced before. Wellbeing centres were established in Easter, instead of celebrating the most important feast both acute hospitals so staff could simply take a break, share L in the Christian calendar, we would all be shut inside their experience with colleagues or seek more formal support our own homes. The Covid-19 pandemic has totally from the psychology team. dismantled modern, 21st Century life across the planet while We owe a great deal to ALL NHS staff, not just the the ‘Lockdown’ cchallenged and changed our own lives out of doctors and nurses, for everything they have done throughout all recognition. the Covid outbreak and must pay tribute to all key workers Many people have struggled with enforced inactivity at who have lost their lives while supporting the rest of us. home while others have been working hard to keep critical The NHS now faces the challenge of how to deliver more services functioning. The clapping on a Thursday night started routine healthcare and deal with the back-log of patients for the NHS but quickly expanded to recognise social care waiting for investigations or treatment. However, with the workers and then all those who were keeping us safe or well need to avoid busy clinics and allow time for staff to change supplied with the necessities. One thing this crisis has brought PPE between patients, this will be difficult while the virus is home to everyone is a recognition of who the REAL key still circulating. workers are! Of course, while key workers were working during When I returned to the NHS at the start of lockdown, I lockdown, the majority have spent much of the last four wasn’t doing anything heroic on the frontline but it was lovely months at home with very limited horizons. The Covid-19 to be back at Crosshouse and see a few well kent faces. I was outbreak brought the phrase ‘social distancing’ into our struck by how quickly the hospital had been reorganised, to lexicon but we should rather talk about ‘physical distancing’ accommodate the expected high numbers of Covid patients as what we really need, and indeed have seen, is social requiring critical care and with ‘Red’ and ‘Green’ zones to cohesion. One of the positive aspects of the outbreak is the avoid cross-infection between patients. There were already way communities have rallied round to support elderly or some patients being treated for Covid but the hospital felt vulnerable neighbours with their shopping or the collection of calm. Staff had worked hard to get ready, and there was a prescriptions. Whether through Government and Local sense of the breath before the dive or the quiet before the Authority volunteering schemes, or the spontaneous storm. organisation of community groups, we have seen support There is, as yet, no cure for Covid-19 and, even with full networks spring up right across the UK. ventilation, it is not always possible to change the outlook for While it has been important to get such essentials the sickest patients. As I had looked after breast cancer delivered to those who were in the vulnerable or ‘shielding’ patients for over thirty years, I was invited to become part of a groups, we must also recognise the need for social ‘contact’. palliative care project group which was developing guidance Humans are gregarious creatures who require social on the management of Covid symptoms to ensure that even interaction. We know loneliness and isolation is detrimental to patients who could not be cured, could be made comfortable both physical and mental health so, as well as dropping off at the end of their lives. Along with palliative care groups their shopping, it is important to be in contact with our elsewhere, one of the earliest proposals was that patients’ neighbours for a blether, whether by phone or over the hedge. loved ones should be allowed to visit at the end of life, While there have been plenty of church services available whether the patient had Coronavirus or not, as it is critical that online, my husband and I have been grateful to ‘attend’ Mass patients do not feel isolated at such a time, and that relatives with our own parish, live-streamed by Canon Archie from Our get the chance to express their love and say goodbye – even if Lady and St Meddan’s in Troon (pictured). Due to the limited through the layers of a mask and gloves. number of people able to A group of senior physically attend church consultants recognised the due to Covid, online need to provide emotional Masses will need to support for staff feeling continue for quite some exhausted and time. This service should overwhelmed, particularly also be considered in the young nursing or medical long term to support those students, who might be who cannot attend due to facing the traumatic frailty or illness. I would situation of losing a certainly have appreciated patient for the first time or on a scale they had never Continued on next page

22

A View from Westminster

Continued joining our Masses online last year when I was stuck at home with my broken leg! Many of us have had to adapt to holding meetings online by video, including in my case speaking in the Virtual Parliament at Westminster. Despite the challenge of technical glitches, home-working in the UK has risen from 12% to 44% and encouraging this in the future could contribute to reducing carbon emissions from transport. Obviously it has been difficult for those who were also providing home schooling, but the avoidance of the daily commute has allowed many parents to spend more time with their children. Over the last few months it has been nice to see whole families out for their daily walk or cycle together. Whether spending more time with our families or paying more attention to our neighbours, the challenge now is how do we hang onto the things we have learned to value during Lockdown. Our society and economy have been brought to a complete halt by the pandemic and will need investment to restart. Instead of just returning to our old ways, we should build forward to where we need to be in ten years’ time, with a sustainable, green recovery and a fairer more equal society. As we have had to support each other during the height of This haunting image was caught as a ‘screen grab’ by the pandemic, we now need to do the same during the easing Michael McFarlane from a livestream in the Cathedral of Lockdown; with restrictions likely to continue for the next year or so. The virus is still with us, still infectious and still dangerous. We know that those who contract Covid become infectious a couple of days before they develop any symptoms, so are unaware they are spreading it. That means A Parish Prayer we should all behave as if we are carrying the virus and are trying not to infect those we love. Lord, we are Your people, the sheep of your flock.

Heal the sheep who are wounded, touch the sheep who are lonely, find the sheep who have strayed, warm the lambs who are cold.

May we know the Father’s love through Jesus the Good Shepherd Central to this is the Scottish Government guidance to follow the FACTS. and through the Holy Spirit.

Face coverings Avoid crowds: Clean hands and surfaces: Help us to share that love with others, and Two metres distance: Self-isolate and get tested if you have symptoms. to show it to our country This is the only way we can make vulnerable people feel and our world. safe enough to venture back out into society. Hopefully, if we Help us to build love on justice all follow the rules, and remain considerate of each other, we and justice on love. can get through the challenging times ahead. Help us to believe firmly, to hope joyfully, to love divinely.

Dr Philippa Whitford is a parishioner of Our Lady of the Renew us so that we may renew Assumption and St Meddan in Troon. She is the MP for Central Ayrshire and SNP Shadow Spokesperson for Health the face of the earth. at Westminster. In these articles she hopes to convey how her faith informs and impacts her politics. The views Amen expressed in these articles are those of the author.

23

Whithorn 2020

The Diocese of Galloway marks the founding of Christianity in Scotland by celebrating Mass annually at the Cave of Saint Ninian in Whithorn. Like so many events this year the annual diocesan pilgrimage to St Ninian’s cave did not go ahead.

he parish of Whithorn lies in St Andrew’s deanery, historically the place of St Ninian’s arrival in Scotland about four hundred years after the birth of Christ and where he established the first Christian community in the country. Although T very little is known for certain of St Ninian, revered as the person who first brought Christianity to Scotland, there is, following recent and extensive excavations in the village of Whithorn, important archaeological evidence of the saint’s early followers.

hithorn was a famous place of W pilgrimage in the Middle Ages but the pilgrimages ceased after the Reformation. Revived in 1924, they are now held annually on the last Sunday of August. It was in September 1953 that Mass was celebrated for the first time at Saint Ninian’s Cave (pictured right). Bishop Joseph McGee said Mass at the altar set within the Cave in front of a large banner of Saint Ninian.

e are always delighted W when pilgrims from other diocese of Scotland are present with us as well as pilgrims from England, Wales, Ireland and other countries. All gathered here in 2016 to honour the saint who brought the Christian faith to Scotland. We look forward to making the pilgrimage next year.

The Whithorn Way - Get the app

The historic pilgrimage route has been fully mapped as an app on your phone.

he Whithorn Way is a newly mapped 143 mile walking and cycling route, which follows much of the westerly pilgrimage route to Whithorn, travelled by pilgrims for well over 1000 T years. At its peak round 1500, the shrine attracted pilgrims from Scotland, England and beyond, who traced a network of sea and land routes to Whithorn to honour St Ninian. You can walk (or cycle) one of these ancient routes – the Whithorn Way – for yourself, or try out just one of its thirteen richly historic segments from Glasgow Cathedral through 143 miles of rambling back roads, quiet cycle paths, or stunning beach walks, to Whithorn. After a lot of technical work and a bit of delay due to the pandemic, the Walk the Whithorn Way app, designed to help walkers navigate the route and find attractions on the way, is now live to download free of charge on the App Store and from Google Play. It includes with short films for each section. QR codes for picking up on your phone will soon be installed at venues, which will register virtual stamps to prove you’ve walked a section. Businesses, cafes and place to stay will be added in due course. More details can be found at the Whithorn Trust website, https://www.whithorn.com

24